Module 19 Population Growth Models After reading this module you should be able to Explain the exponential growth model of populations, which produces a J-shaped curve. Describe how the logistic growth model incorporates a carrying capacity and produces an S-shaped curve. Compare the reproductive strategies and survivorship curves of different species. Explain the dynamics that occur in metapopulations.

The exponential growth model describes populations that continuously increase Population growth models Mathematical equations that can be used to predict population size at any moment in time. Population growth rate The number of offspring an individual can produce in a given time period, minus the deaths of the individual or its offspring during the same period.

Exponential Growth Con’t Intrinsic growth rate (r) The maximum potential for growth of a population under ideal conditions with unlimited resources. Exponential growth model (Nt = N0ert ) A growth model that estimates a population’s future size (Nt ) after a period of time (t), based on the intrinsic growth rate (r) and the number of reproducing individuals currently in the population (N0). J-shaped curve The curve of the exponential growth model when graphed.

The Exponential Growth Model The exponential growth model. When populations are not limited by resources, their growth can be very rapid. More births occur with each step in time, creating a J-shaped growth curve.

The logistic growth model describes populations that experience a carrying capacity Populations do not typically experience exponential growth indefinitely. They are limited by resources and carrying capacity. Limiting resource A resource that a population cannot live without and that occurs in quantities lower than the population would require to increase in size. Carrying capacity (K) The limit of how many individuals in a population the environment can sustain.

Logistic Growth Model Continued The logistic growth model is more realistic because it incorporates environmental limits. Logistic growth model A growth model that describes a population whose growth is initially exponential, but slows as the population approaches the carrying capacity of the environment. S-shaped curve The shape of the logistic growth model when graphed.

The Logistic Growth Model A small population initially experiences exponential growth. As the population becomes larger, however, resources become scarcer, and the growth rate slows. When the population size reaches the carrying capacity of the environment, growth stops. As a result, the pattern of population growth follows an S-shaped curve.

The Logistic Growth Model If food becomes scarce or other conditions change, a population can experience fluctuations. Overshoot When a population becomes larger than the environment’s carrying capacity. Die-off A rapid decline in a population due to death.

Species have different reproductive strategies and distinct survivorship curves K-selected species A species with a low intrinsic growth rate that causes the population to increase slowly until it reaches carrying capacity. r-selected species A species that has a high intrinsic growth rate, which often leads to population overshoots and die-offs.

Reproductive Strategies

Survivorship Curves Survivorship curve A graph that represents the distinct patterns of species survival as a function of age. There are three types of survivorship curves: Type I survivorship curve A pattern of survival over time in which there is high survival throughout most of the life span, but then individuals start to die in large numbers as they approach old age. Type II survivorship curve A pattern of survival over time in which there is a relatively constant decline in survivorship throughout most of the life span. Type III survivorship curve A pattern of survival over time in which there is low survivorship early in life with few individuals reaching adulthood.

Survivorship Curves Survivorship curves. Different species have distinct patterns of survivorship over the life span. Species range from exhibiting excellent survivorship until old age (type I curve) to exhibiting a relatively constant decline in survivorship over time (type II curve) to having very low rates of survivorship early in life (type III curve). K-selected species tend to exhibit type I curves, whereas r-selected species tend to exhibit type III curves.

Interconnected populations form metapopulations Corridor Strips of natural habitat that connect populations. Metapopulation A group of spatially distinct populations that are connected by occasional movements of individuals between them. Inbreeding depression When individuals with similar genotypes—typically relatives—breed with each other and produce offspring that have an impaired ability to survive and reproduce.

Metapopulations A cougar metapopulation. Populations of cougars live in separate mountain ranges in New Mexico. Occasionally, however, individuals move between mountain ranges. These movements can recolonize mountain ranges with extinct populations and add individuals and genetic diversity to existing populations.